“Qatar’s unwavering commitment to peace was clearly demonstrated in its efforts to facilitate the ceasefire agreement in Gaza,” he said, noting that he was impressed with the country’s mediation diplomacy in promoting stability and alleviating human suffering, both in the Middle East and globally.
Hisajima was speaking Monday at the 65th birthday celebration of Japan’s Emperor, which also marks the National Day of Japan. The event was attended by Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry HE Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani, Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Protocol Department director ambassador Ibrahim Fakhroo, along with other dignitaries and guests.
Japan, in close co-ordination with relevant countries and international organisations, continues to engage with the international efforts in improving the humanitarian situation, reconstruction, and governance of Gaza, according to the envoy.
Hisajima stressed that Japan “will redouble its diplomatic efforts towards achieving a two-state solution and establishing long-term peace and stability in the region”. “In this regard, Japan has initiated the framework called Ceapad: Conference on Co-operation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development since 2013 to support the Palestinian state-building efforts by drawing on resources, knowledge, and experiences of economic development of the East Asian countries,” he said, noting that Japan has also provided approximately $230mn in humanitarian aid and supplies to the Palestinian people in the past year.
Hisajima highlighted the growing partnership between Qatar and Japan across various sectors, noting increased trade and investment relations. He cited the visit of Japan’s Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy to Qatar in July 2024 to discuss investment promotion, particularly in startups.
“Qatar is a very attractive destination for foreign investment, and Japan too actively opens its doors to foreign business and offers best possible business environment,” he said. “The 14th Meeting of the Improvement of Business Environment and Investment Working Group, held last July, was a key step forward in identifying promising areas for growth.”
He underlined the strong defence ties between the two nations, citing the port call of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force destroyer “Murasame” at Doha Port and the first Japan-Qatar Military to Military Dialogue held in Doha in November 2023.
Hisajima pointed out that Japan’s Green Transformation initiatives aligns well with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, particularly in the area of clean energy. “By combining our efforts in these areas, I am confident that Japan’s expertise can make meaningful contributions to advancing clean energy in Qatar. In fact, last November an international consortium led by Japanese companies was awarded by Kahramaa a contract to build and operate an independent water power plant in Ras Abu Fontas area.
“The new plant is expected to use high-efficiency gas turbines that consume less gas and emit lower levels of CO2 and other pollutants, contributing to Qatar’s stable energy supply and decarbonisation efforts,” the envoy said.
According to Hisajima, direct flights between Qatar and Japan have been expanded, with Japan Airlines now flying between Tokyo and Doha and Qatar Airways resuming service between Osaka and Doha.
“I understand that the Qatar Airways will double its flights to Tokyo within this year. These connections are great for boosting tourism and enhancing people-to-people exchanges,” the envoy said. The reception also marked the upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, which Hisajima described as an unparalleled experience for visitors to experience cutting-edge technologies and systems. The event will bring together 158 countries and regions and nine international organisations for six-months.
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